Wrestlers, representing 66 teams, were submitted on nomination forms signed by a coach and school administrator verifying their current GPA (minimum of 3.0), number of current season varsity matches wrestled (minimum of fifteen), current season win percentage (minimum of 60%) and grade (junior or senior).

Points were tallied according to current varsity wins, current state tournament placement and cumulative high school GPA. Each of the first team wrestlers will receive two certificates and a letter of recognition.

Congratulations to all nominees and thanks to the coaches, administrators and parents for helping The Guillotine recognize Minnesota’s finest student-athletes.

First published in the May 6th issue of The Guillotine Newsmagazine

The Guillotine 2016 Academic All-State Wrestlers – First Team

Tucker Sjomeling of Delano 11th grade, 126 pounds

Tucker is a two-time state champion and a three-time place winner. He won the 126-pound Class AA title this year and the 106-pound title as an eighth grader. Tucker also placed third at 113 pounds as a sophomore. Tucker finished his season undefeated with 44 wins. His current career record is 165-15 (91.7 win %) including 80 pins. Tucker’s GPA is 4.0. Honors and achievements include 2016 MWCA Academic All-State, ranks #1 in his HS class in GPA, four-time all-conference, two-time Rumble on the Red Tournament champion, and two-time team MVP. Future plans are to continue his wrestling career in college. Tucker’s parents are Mike and Darcy and his coach is Jeff Olson.

Brandon Moen of Owatonna 11th grade, 195 pounds

Brandon is a four-time state placer winning the 195-pound Class AAA title this year. He placed third at 152 pounds as a junior, third at 132 pounds as a sophomore, and fourth at 113 pounds as a freshman. Brandon had an impressive season record of 42-2. His current career record is 191-36 including 65 pins. Brandon’s GPA is 3.98. Honors and achievements include five-time Big 9 All-Conference, four-time Minnesota Christmas Tournament placewinner, 2016 Rumble on the Red Tournament champion, 2015 Pre-Season National Champion, 2016 team captain, and 2016 MWCA Academic All-State. Future plans are to continue his wrestling career in college. Brandon’s parents are Jason Moen and Brenda Biesterfeld and his coach was Cliff Casteel.

Victor Gliva of Farmington 12th grade, 113 pounds

Victor is a three-time state entrant winning the 113-pound Class AAA title this year. He placed second at 106 pounds as a junior. Victor had an impressive season record of 44-1. He ended his high school career with a record of 119-20 including 57 pins. Victor’s GPA is 3.94. Honors and achievements include 2016 MWCA Academic All-State, 2016 USA Wrestling Folkstyle All-American, and two-time Minnesota Christmas Tournament runner-up. Victor is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to continue his wrestling career at Augsburg. Victor’s parents are Steve and Kelley and his coaches are Chad Olson and Henry Gerten.

Aaron Berge of Kasson-Mantorville 12th grade, 182 pounds

Aaron is a two-time state entrant winning the 182-pound Class AA title this year. He placed fifth at 160 pounds as a junior. Aaron had a season record of 43-6. He ended his high school career with a record of 140-52 including 48 pins. Aaron’s GPA is 3.91. Honors and achievements include team captain, 2015 Guillotine Academic All-State 2nd team, 2015 MN Football Coaches Association AAAA All-State Academic, homecoming king, three-time all-conference, and two-time all-conference in football. Aaron is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to attend Minnesota State University-Mankato and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Aaron’s parents are Kim and Gary and his coach is Jamie Heidt.

Mitchell McKee of St. Michael-Albertville 12th grade, 138 pounds

Mitchell is a three-time state champion, a four-time finalist, and a five-time place winner. He won the 138-pound Class AAA title this year, the 126-pound title as a junior, and the 120-pound title as a sophomore. Mitchell also placed third at 106 pounds as a freshman and second at 106 pounds as an eighth-grader. Mitchell finished his season undefeated with 49 wins. He ended his high school career with a record of 269-16 (94.4 win %) including 169 pins. Mitchell’s GPA is 3.85. Honors and achievements include STMA Sophomore Student of the Year, 2016 MWCA Academic All-State, four-time all-conference, Juniors folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman national champion, and a member of band and chamber choir. Mitchell is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to continue his wrestling career at the University of Minnesota. Mitchell’s mother is Nina McKee and his coach is Dan Lefebvre.

Thomas Stageberg of New London-Spicer 12th grade, 132 pounds

Thomas is a three-time state entrant winning the 132-pound Class A title this year. He placed third at 120 pounds as a junior. Thomas had an impressive season record of 34-1. He ended his high school career with a record of 143-40 including 58 pins. Thomas’s GPA is 3.98. Honors and achievements include 2016 MWCA Academic All-State, 2015 Guillotine Academic All-State, three-time Wright County All-Conference, 14 tournament titles, and team captain. Future plans are to attend Minnesota State University Mankato and possibly wrestle. Thomas’s parents are Paul Stageberg / Kerrie and Paul Erickson and his coach is Matt Bisek.

Logan Swanson of Mankato East 12th grade, 285 pounds

Logan is a two-time state entrant winning the heavyweight Class AA title this year. He placed fourth at heavyweight as a sophomore. Logan had an impressive season record of 40-2. He ended his high school career with a record of 118-27 including 76 pins. Logan’s GPA is 3.91. Honors and achievements include two-time Big 9 All-Conference, AAA Award recipient for Mankato East, active in choir and theater, MWCA Academic All-State, All-State in football and track & field, and 2013 Ninth Grade League State Champion. Future plans are to attend Augustana University, play football, and participate in theatre. Logan’s mother is Sara Swanson and his coach is Jon Dierks.

Grant Jepson of Frazee 12th grade, 138 pounds

Grant is a three-time state entrant and two-time place winner. He was the Class A 138-pound runner-up this year. He placed sixth at 132 pounds as a junior. Grant had an impressive season record of 41-2. He ended his high school career with a record of 147-39. Grant’s GPA is 4.0. Honors and achievements include 2016 MWCA Academic All-State. Grant is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to go to college and become a chiropractor and possibly wrestle. Grant’s parents are Steven and Lisa and his coach is Clay Nagel.

Mark Hall of Apple Valley 12th grade, 170 pounds

Mark is Minnesota’s first six-time state champion. He ended his high school career with a record of 277-4 (98.6 win %) including 189 pins. Mark’s GPA is 3.73. Honors and achievements include #1 college recruit in the nation, #1 in the nation in pound-for-pound rankings, FILA Cadet World Champion, UWW Junior World Team, MWCA Mr. Minnesota Wrestler, 2015 Guillotine Academic All-State, two-time MWCA Academic All-State, and two-time Pioneer Press Wrestler of the Year. Future plans are to continue his wrestling career at Penn State, win nationals titles, get an education degree to teach and coach, and represent the U.S. on world teams. Mark’s parents are Mark Hall and Melissa Warren and his coach is Dalen Wasmund.

Garrett Vos of Waconia 11th grade, 113 pounds

Garrett is a two-time state entrant winning the 113-pound Class AA title this year. He placed fifth at 106 pounds as a sophomore. Garrett had an impressive season record of 37-2. His current career record is 77-15 including 36 pins. Garrett’s GPA is 3.81. Honors and achievements include two-year team captain, 2015 and 2016 Wildcat Wrestler (represents Waconia Wrestling the best), Waconia Most Improved Wrestler 2014-15, Team MVP 2015-16, and HS Honor Roll every trimester. Future plans are to continue his wrestling career in college and possibly go into law enforcement. Garrett’s parents are Len and Wendy and his coach is Kelly Wagener.

Taylor Venz of Farmington 12th grade, 182 pounds

Taylor is a two-time state champion and a four-time place winner. He won the 182-pound Class AAA title this year and the 106-pound title as a freshman. Taylor also placed third at 145 pounds as a junior and third at 126 pounds as a sophomore. Taylor had an impressive season record of 46-2. He ended his high school career with a record of 204-33 including 71 pins. Taylor’s GPA is 3.67. Honors and achievements include being the first two-time state champion in school history and member of Link Crew. Taylor is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to wrestle at the University of Nebraska. Taylor’s parents are Al and Jennifer and his coach is Chad Olson and Henry Gerten.

Peter Nelson of St. Cloud Apollo 11th grade, 138 pounds

Peter is a three-time state entrant placing second at 138 pounds this year in Class AA. Peter had a season record of 37-5. His current career record is 137-47. Peter’s GPA is 3.95. Honors and achievements include five-time letterwinner, three-time all-conference, two-year team captain, two-time team MVP, Big Bear champion, two-time letterwinner in football, all-conference on football, and letterwinner in baseball. Future plans are to attend a four-year college. Peter’s parents are Kevin and Leah and his coach is Michael Beehler.

Jerod Novak of Aitkin 12th grade, 152 pounds

Jerod is a five-time state entrant and two-time place winner. He was the Class A 152-pound runner-up this year. He placed sixth at 145 pounds as a freshman. Jerod had a season record of 37-7. He ended his high school career with a record of 174-43 including 81 pins. Jerod’s GPA is 3.85. Honors and achievements include Team Most Valuable Wrestler in 2014, five-time Great River Conference champion, Skip Nalan Tournament OW in 2014 and 2016, school record for most wins, football All-Section 2014 and 2015, and football All-District Defensive Player of the Year 2015. Future plans are to pursue a career in nursing and eventually become a nurse anesthetist and wrestle or play football at St. John’s or U of Mary. Jerod’s parents are Bernie and Tammy and his coach is Larry Liljenquist.

Sam Baier of Redwood-River Valley 12th grade, 160 pounds

Sam won the Class AA title this year at 160 pounds. He is a three-time state entrant. Sam had a season record of 42-3. He ended his high school career with a record of 154-40 including 66 pins. Sam’s GPA is 3.58. Honors and achievements include three-time all-conference, New Ulm Journal Wrestler of the Year, and three-time KNUJ Wrestler of the Week. Future plans are to play baseball at Augustana (S.D.) and major in education. Sam’s parents are Amy and Randy and his coaches are Matt Tiffany, Paul Carlson, and Todd Bertram.

Skylar Hieronimus of Adrian 12th grade, 126 pounds

Skylar is a two-time state champion. He won the 126-pound Class A title this year and the 106-pound title as a sophomore. Skylar had a season record of 42-4. He ended his high school career with a record of 157-29 including 93 pins. Skylar’s GPA is 3.58. Honors and achievements include two-time MWCA Academic All-State. Skylar is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to wrestle at Augustana and major in business. Skylar’s father is Tim Hieronimus and his coach is Gregg Nelson.

Tyler Shilson of Centennial 11th grade, 138 pounds

Tyler is a two-time state place winner. He was the Class AAA 138-pound runner-up this year. He placed fourth at 126 pounds as a sophomore. Tyler had a season record of 44-4. His current career record is 153-26 including 60 pins. Tyler’s GPA is 3.76. Honors and achievements include two-time State Dual Tournament All-Tournament Team, four-time all-conference, 2015 Northern Plains Cadet double champion (freestyle and Greco), and Spotlight on Scholarship Award winner. Future plans are to continue his wrestling career in college and possibly major in finance. Goals are to make a U.S. World Team in freestyle or Greco and medal. Tyler’s parents are Chad and Margaret and his coach is Steve Peterson.

James Huwe of Detroit Lakes 12th grade, 285 pounds

James is a two-time state finalist, a three-time placer, and a four-time state entrant. He was the Class AA heavyweight runner-up this year as a senior and was also runner-up as a junior. He placed third at heavyweight as a sophomore. James had an impressive season record of 41-2. He ended his high school career with a record of 164-52 including 114 pins. James’s GPA is 3.78. Honors and achievements include two-time MWCA Academic All-State, conference MVP, Section 8AA Scholarship winner, and All-Section in Football. Future plans are to play football at Bemidji State and study wildlife management. James’s parents are Tana and Jamie Wood and his coach is Rob Ullyott.

Logan Saltou of Rochester John Marshall 12th grade, 145 pounds

Logan is a three-time state entrant placing third at 145 pounds this year in Class AAA. He also placed fifth at 126 pounds as a sophomore. Logan had a season record of 42-5. He ended his high school career with a record of 195-47. Logan’s GPA is 3.85. Honors and achievements include five-time all-conference, six-time letterwinner, and three-year team captain. Logan is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to wrestle or play baseball at Minnesota State University Mankato and major in business. Logan’s parents are Pat and Kelly and his coach is Brian Parlin.

Kevin Kneisl of Delano 12th grade, 220 pounds

Kevin is a four-time state entrant winning the 220-pound Class AA title this year. He placed second at 220 pounds as a junior. Kevin finished his season undefeated with 42 wins. He ended his high school career with a record of 130-36 including 88 pins. Kevin’s GPA is 3.54. Honors and achievements include 2016 MWCA Academic All-State, two-time all-conference, 2015 Guillotine Academic All-State, two-year team captain, 2015 Rumble on the Red Tournament champion, and 2016 Dream Team Classic participant. Future plans are to attend St. Thomas and play football. Kevin’s parents are Jim and Kim and his coach is Jeff Olson.

Reed DeFrang of Plainview-Elgin-Millville 11th grade, 120 pounds

Reed was the Class AA 120-pound runner-up this year. It was his first state tournament appearance. Reed had a season record of 40-5. His current career record is 91-23 including 67 pins. Reed’s GPA is 3.76. Honors and achievements include all-conference, team leader in wins, pins, and takedowns, and 2016 Team MVP. Reed’s parents are Kim and Kris and his coach is Mike Matiash.

Ben Kelvington of Scott West 12th grade, 145 pounds

Ben is a three-time state entrant placing fourth at 145 pounds this year in Class AA. Ben had a season record of 45-3. He ended his high school career with a record of 148-46 including 50 pins. Ben’s GPA is 4.0. Honors and achievements include 2016 Minnesota River Conference MVP, 2015 Rumble on the Red Tournament champion, and Jordan HS Class of 2016 Valedictorian. Ben is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to wrestle and study biochemistry at Augustana University. Ben’s parents are Brian and Mari and his coaches are Darren Ripley and Jerold Stauffacher.

Noah Becker of LPGE-Browerville 12th grade, 120 pounds

Noah is a three-time state entrant placing third at 120 pounds this year in Class A. He also placed fourth at 120 pounds as a junior. Noah had an impressive season record of 40-1. He ended his high school career with a record of 163-62. Noah’s GPA is 3.78. Honors and achievements include three-time conference champion, six-time letterwinner, three-year team captain, 2015 folkstyle Brute national champion, and 2016 Park Region Conference OW. Noah is also National Honor Society vice-president. Future plans are to attend a four-year college and wrestle. Noah’s parents are Chad and Paula and his coach is Jacob Lorentz.

Andrew Piehl of Rogers 12th grade, 285 pounds

Andrew is a three-time state entrant winning the heavyweight Class AAA title this year. He placed third as a junior. Andrew finished his season undefeated with 43 wins. He ended his high school career with a record of 135-24 including 75 pins. Andrew’s GPA is 3.44. Honors and achievements include NHSCA Nationals All-American, junior freestyle All-American, Northern Plains junior champion in Greco and runner-up in freestyle, three-time all-conference, all-conference in football, and 2nd Team All-Metro football. Future plans are to wrestle at the Naval Academy. Andrew’s parents are Greg and Jennifer and his coach is Chris Donnay.

Tom Tellers of United North Central 12th grade, 145 pounds

Tom is a two-time state place winner. He was the Class A 145-pound runner-up this year. He placed fifth at 138 pounds as a junior. Tom had a season record of 37-6. He ended his high school career with a record of 166-58 including 75 pins. Tom’s GPA is 3.68. Honors and achievements include 2015 Guillotine Academic All-State 2nd Team, two-time conference champion, two-time Academic letterwinner, three-year team captain, and second in all-time career wins for UNC. Future plans are to study business management at the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Tom’s parents are Joe and Kristine and his coach is Jacob Oyster.

Dietrich Balsbaugh of Trinity School at River Ridge 12th grade, 152 pounds

Dietrich is a three-time state entrant and two-time place winner. He was the Class A 152-pound runner-up as a junior. He placed fifth at 152 pounds as a senior. Dietrich had a season record of 43-3. He ended his high school career with a record of 198-50. Dietrich’s GPA is 4.0. Honors and achievements include 2016 MWCA First Team Academic All-State, 2015 Guillotine Academic All-State, Aspire Athlete of the Week semifinalist, two-time Rumble on the Red Tournament placewinner, five-time Tri-Metro Conference champion, and two-year team captain. Future plans are to attend Hillsdale College in Michigan and study philosophy and mathematics. Dietrich’s parents are John and Jennifer and his coach is Pat Murphy.

Jonah Lange of Frazee 12th grade, 195 pounds

Jonah is a three-time state entrant winning the 195-pound Class A title this year. He placed sixth at 182 pounds as a junior. Jonah finished his season undefeated with 38 wins. He ended his high school career with 152 wins. Jonah’s GPA is 3.45. Honors and achievements include Brute Nationals champion and Big Horn Nationals champion. Future plans are to wrestle at North Dakota State and pursue a physical education degree. Jonah’s parents are Brian and Nikki and his coach is Clay Nagel.

Wade Sullivan of Lakeville North 11th grade, 145 pounds

Wade won the Class AAA title as a freshman at 113 pounds. He was runner-up at 145-pounds as a junior. Wade also placed third at 126 pounds as a sophomore. Wade had a season record of 37-6. His current career record is 139-28 including 40 pins. Wade’s GPA is 3.65. Honors and achievements include MWCA Academic All-State, three-time all-conference, School ExCel Award nominee, football all-conference, football All-Metro 2nd Team, and football team Offensive Player of the Year. Future plans are to play football or wrestle in college and possibly major in business. Wade’s parents are Matt and Dana and his coach is Dan Recchio.

Brock Morgan of Apple Valley 12th grade, 152 pounds

Brock is a five-time state entrant and two-time place winner. He was the Class AAA 152-pound runner-up this year. He placed third at 145 pounds as a sophomore. Brock had a season record of 35-3. He ended his high school career with a record of 187-50 including 25 pins. Brock’s GPA is 3.66. Honors and achievements include Minnesota Christmas Tournament champion, Council Bluffs Tournament champion, 2016 Dream Team Wrestling Classic participant, Student Council Head Committee, and Section All-Academic member 8th-12th grade. Brock is also a member of the National Honor Society. Future plans are to continue his wrestling career at Columbia University. His dream is to be U.S. President and change the world for the better. Brock’s parents are Steve and Angela and his coach is Dalen Wasmund.

Ben Bogart of Alexandria 11th grade, 126 pounds

Ben placed fourth at state this year at 126 pounds in Class AAA. It was his first state tournament appearance. Ben had a season record of 30-12. His current career record is 104-50. Ben’s GPA is 4.0. Honors and achievements include three-time Gold Academic Certificate and two-time Central Lakes All-Conference. Future plans are to attend a four-year college. Ben’s parents are Brendan and Tracy and his coach is Tom Ellison.

Ryan Killeen of Spectrum 12th grade, 132 pounds

Ryan is a two-time state place winner. He was the Class A 132-pound runner-up this year. He placed sixth at 120 pounds as a sophomore. Ryan had a season record of 32-5. He ended his high school career with a record of 134-23 including 93 pins. Ryan’s GPA is 3.68. Honors and achievements include four-time all-conference, 30+ wins and 20+ pins in each HS season, Big Bear Tournament runner-up, 2014 cadet freestyle state runner-up, 2013 cadet Greco state runner-up, and two-time school Student of the Month. Future plans are to wrestle in college and pursue a nursing degree. Ryan’s parents are Larry and Lisa and his coach is Darrell Skog.